Slide Deck 1: Government and Democracy

What is a RIGHT? What are some rights that you have?

Rights A right is a freedom that is protected or something you are entitled to have or receive Rights are usually fought for and claimed, and less often simply granted All citizens living in a democracy have guaranteed rights Examples: the right to express yourself, freedom of religion

Who makes these rules and decisions? What types of rules and decisions are needed for people living in a community? Who makes these rules and decisions?

A government is made up of the people and institutions put in place to lead or manage the affairs of a specific jurisdiction, such as a country, nation, province or community

The role of government Create and enforce laws Provide services Manage land and resources Make decisions for the benefit of the people living within its borders

What would happen if there was no government responsible for creating laws and providing support to citizens?

Different types of government Governments from around the world differ from one another. They can be compared by considering the following questions: How are decisions made? How many people have access to power? c) What rights and freedoms are given to citizens?

of a type of government and where its used? Do you know an example of a type of government and where its used?

Autocracy A type of government where political power is concentrated in the hands of one person who rules without restriction No rule of law, the leader is supreme People are not consulted on the decisions and affairs of the country An autocracy can be a dictatorship or an absolute monarchy

Dictatorship A dictatorship = one person is the leader The dictator often takes control through a military takeover without permission of the people Political opposition is forbidden No independent media Citizens have limited or few rights and freedoms

Oligarchy Power rests with a small number of people These are usually those who are rich and powerful, often due to family lines, wealth or prominent connections People living under oligarchic rule usually have some rights and freedoms Similarly, in an aristocracy the power is in the hands of a special class of people Aristocrats are connected to royal families through family relations

Democracy Power is shared by all citizens Citizens elect political representatives to make decisions on their behalf Citizens also have access to power, which means they can choose to run for political office Individual civil and political rights are protected (such as freedom of speech, religion and assembly, free and fair elections)

Monarchy A monarch (king or queen) or royal family holds political power that is inherited and usually lasts until death There are two main types: In an absolute monarchy, a monarch (or dictator) has complete political power In a constitutional monarchy, a monarch’s power is more symbolic and it is limited by a constitution

Would you prefer to live in a democracy or a dictatorship? Why?

Constitutional Monarchy A constitution includes the basic principles and laws of a nation or state that outline the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people A constitutional monarchy has a democratically elected government with a government leader The monarch remains the head of state and performs ceremonial duties Government exercises rule of law

Republic A sovereign state, country or government without a monarch Democratically elected government holds all political power Government exercises power according to the rule of law Republics usually have a constitution

What are the differences? What are the similarities between a constitutional monarchy and a republic? What are the differences?

Consensus Democracy Consensus refers to general agreement in decision-making Consensus democracy uses a consensus decision-making model to develop laws and policies The goal is to be more collaborative and inclusive by gathering a broad range of opinions In a consensus government, elected representatives do not belong to political party (e.g., Nunavut, Northwest Territories)

Which government types are used in Canada?

Government in Canada Canada’s system of government is a parliamentary democracy Elected members represent citizens in the federal parliament and provincial/territorial legislatures The political party with the most representatives forms government Canada is also a constitutional monarchy and the Queen is the head of state Every act of government is done in the name of the Queen The authority for every act comes from the Canadian people through the Constitution The Constitution of Canada is the highest legal ruling in the country The Constitution includes laws, decisions by judges, agreements between federal and provincial governments, traditions and civil and political rights

What rights and freedoms do Canadians receive?

Rights and Freedoms in Canada The Canadian Bill of Rights (1960) was the first written expression of human rights law at the national level Our rights and freedoms are now protected at both the provincial and national level by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, a part of the Canadian Constitution

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms The Charter has seven sections that define our rights as Canadians: Fundamental freedoms Democratic rights Mobility rights Legal rights Equality rights Official languages of Canada Minority language education rights

Fundamental Freedoms freedom of religion (to pray & worship in your own way) freedom of thought (to form your own opinion) freedom of expression (to express your opinion freely) freedom of the press (to report on all matters) freedom of peaceful assembly (to gather and protest respectfully) freedom of association (to meet and associate with others)

What does living in a democracy mean to you? Debrief What does living in a democracy mean to you?